Workers at a Teesside chemical plant are being balloted on industrial action over a threat to 120 jobs.

Bosses at Eaglescliffe-based Elementis Chromium said cuts are needed as part of a restructuring process at the site.

But unions said jobs losses are unnecessary and the long-term future of the 320-workforce plant is viable.

The Transport and General Workers' Union and Amicus said they also have
concerns about the impact of any jobs cuts on the company's pension fund.

A spokesman for the Transport and General Workers' Union said: "The failure of Elementis Chromium and their shareholders to provide answers for the future of the Eaglescliffe plant, has prompted the start of a balloting process which could lead to strike action.

"When we consider the answers we haven't had from Elementis Chromium, we feel we have no alternative but to ask our members if they will be prepared to back industrial action."